LSU Football’s Will Campbell Makes History with NFL Combine Performance

The NFL Combine is an event that serves as the ultimate proving ground for college football players, where their skills, athleticism, and potential are put to the test in front of scouts, coaches, and executives from all 32 NFL teams. For many, the combine is a chance to showcase their talents and improve their draft stock. Few players, however, have captured the attention and admiration of the football world quite like Will Campbell, the standout offensive tackle from LSU (Louisiana State University).

Campbell’s performance at the 2025 NFL Combine was nothing short of historic, setting a new standard for future offensive linemen and securing his place as one of the most talked-about prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. The young tackle from LSU, who had already earned a reputation for his dominant play in the SEC, used the combine to demonstrate why he is widely regarded as the best offensive lineman available this year. From his physical measurements to his drills and interviews, Campbell’s performance left an indelible mark on the NFL scouting community.

In this article, we’ll break down Campbell’s combine performance, highlight the key moments that helped solidify his place as a top prospect, and look at how his time at LSU helped prepare him for this moment. Additionally, we’ll explore what makes Campbell such a special talent and why NFL teams are salivating at the prospect of adding him to their roster.

Will Campbell: The LSU Star

Before diving into his NFL Combine performance, it’s essential to understand the journey that led Will Campbell to this historic moment. Born and raised in Louisiana, Campbell was always destined for greatness on the football field. A highly touted recruit out of high school, he was a consensus five-star prospect and the No. 1 overall offensive tackle in his class. His decision to play for LSU was a natural one, given his local roots and the program’s storied history of producing elite NFL talent.

During his time at LSU, Campbell quickly established himself as one of the most dominant and consistent forces in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Known for his size, strength, and technique, Campbell became an instant starter for the Tigers, anchoring one of the best offensive lines in college football. Over the course of his three-year career at LSU, he earned numerous accolades, including All-SEC First-Team honors and recognition as an All-American. His combination of athleticism, intelligence, and power made him a force to be reckoned with, and he was a critical part of LSU’s offensive success during his tenure.

As a run blocker, Campbell excelled at creating lanes for LSU’s running backs, helping to pave the way for a highly efficient ground game. In pass protection, his ability to mirror defenders and keep quarterbacks clean was equally impressive, earning him praise from coaches, teammates, and opposing players alike. His consistency in both areas made him one of the most complete offensive tackles in college football, and it wasn’t long before NFL scouts took notice.

Now, as he prepared for the 2025 NFL Combine, the expectations surrounding Campbell were high. Not only did he need to showcase his physical talents, but he also needed to prove that he could transition from the college game to the NFL, where the competition is more intense and the margin for error is slimmer. What Campbell showed at the combine, however, far exceeded even the loftiest expectations.

A Historic NFL Combine Performance

The NFL Combine is a rigorous event where athletes are tested in a variety of drills designed to measure their strength, agility, speed, and football IQ. For offensive linemen like Will Campbell, the combine is often more about demonstrating physical prowess and technical ability than showcasing speed or explosiveness. However, Campbell’s performance at the 2025 NFL Combine had scouts buzzing for a variety of reasons.

1. Physical Measurements: A Prototype Offensive Tackle

At the outset of the combine, Campbell’s physical measurements alone were enough to make scouts take notice. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing in at 325 pounds, he possessed the ideal size for an NFL offensive tackle. His wingspan and hand size were both exceptional, further adding to his impressive frame.

These measurements are critical for offensive linemen, as they need both size and length to control defenders in the trenches. Campbell’s frame and athleticism make him a prototypical offensive tackle for the modern NFL, where both size and agility are crucial in protecting quarterbacks and creating running lanes. His ability to move with such size was a testament to his natural athleticism and strength, and it laid the foundation for the rest of his combine performance.

2. The 40-Yard Dash: A Surprising Show of Speed

Although offensive linemen are not typically known for their speed, Campbell’s 40-yard dash time shocked many at the combine. He posted an impressive 4.91 seconds in the 40-yard dash, an outstanding time for someone of his size. This was a critical moment, as it demonstrated that Campbell possesses not only the size and strength to dominate but also the speed to move with agility and quickly get to the second level in the run game.

In an era where NFL offenses are becoming faster and more dynamic, an offensive lineman who can move with quickness and fluidity is a massive asset. Campbell’s speed was particularly impressive during the short shuttle and 3-cone drills, where he displayed excellent footwork and the ability to change direction with ease. His ability to mirror defenders and move with agility in tight spaces is a skill that will serve him well at the next level.

3. The Bench Press: A Display of Strength

At the combine, one of the most important physical tests for offensive linemen is the bench press, which measures upper body strength. Will Campbell’s performance in this drill was one of the highlights of the event, as he managed to reps 32 repetitions at 225 pounds, far exceeding the average for offensive linemen. This displayed his impressive strength, which is crucial for both run-blocking and protecting the quarterback in passing situations.

The bench press performance reaffirmed Campbell’s reputation as one of the most powerful offensive linemen in the 2025 draft class. His raw strength, combined with his technique, makes him a fearsome presence in the trenches and a potential game-changer for whichever team selects him.

4. The On-Field Drills: Poise, Technique, and Agility

While physical testing is important, the on-field drills are where Campbell truly cemented his status as a top prospect. During the offensive line drills, Campbell’s technique and footwork were on full display. He showed remarkable consistency and control in the way he moved through each drill, including pass protection sets and run-blocking maneuvers.

His ability to keep his feet under him while maintaining a strong base and balanced posture was exemplary. Scouts were particularly impressed with his ability to mirror rushers and adjust to different pass-rushing moves, which is vital in the NFL, where defenders are more skilled and creative with their techniques. Campbell’s reaction time, combined with his strong hands and ability to reset quickly, gave him an edge in a highly competitive position group.

5. Interviews and Mental Acuity: A Rising Leader

Another critical part of the combine process is the interviews, where players meet with team executives and coaches to gauge their character, work ethic, and ability to learn and adapt. Will Campbell’s performance in these interviews further solidified his place as one of the top prospects in the draft.

Campbell demonstrated a mature, focused, and grounded personality, showing that he was ready to take on the responsibility of playing in the NFL. His football IQ, combined with his natural leadership qualities, impressed many NFL teams. Coaches noted his willingness to study the game, his commitment to self-improvement, and his ability to mentor younger players. This off-the-field maturity is crucial for offensive linemen, as they are often tasked with not only executing their assignments but also helping lead the line as the foundation of the offense.

What’s Next for Will Campbell?

After his historic combine performance, Will Campbell’s draft stock has skyrocketed. NFL teams are lining up to select him as one of the first offensive tackles off the board in the 2025 NFL Draft, and it’s easy to see why. With his ideal size, strength, and athleticism, Campbell is a plug-and-play starter who could immediately contribute to any NFL offensive line.

Teams in need of a left tackle or a cornerstone player on the offensive line will undoubtedly be looking closely at Campbell as the draft approaches. His combination of physical gifts and technical ability, coupled with his leadership qualities, make him an ideal fit for a variety of offensive schemes. Whether it’s as a pass protector or a run blocker, Campbell’s ability to excel in both areas makes him one of the most complete offensive line prospects in recent memory.

 A Legacy in the Making

Will Campbell’s performance at the 2025 NFL Combine is one that will go down in history as one of the most impressive showings by an offensive lineman in recent years. From his outstanding physical measurements to his dominant performance in drills, Campbell demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the most highly anticipated draft prospects in the 2025 class. His ability to combine power, speed, and technique with leadership and intelligence makes him an exceptional talent, and he is sure to be a cornerstone player for whichever NFL team selects him.

As he prepares for the next step in his journey, Campbell has already etched his name in LSU’s storied football history. His journey from a standout high school recruit to a future NFL star is a testament to his hard work, discipline, and relentless pursuit of greatness. As the 2025 NFL Draft looms, Will Campbell’s legacy is just beginning, and his future in the NFL is incredibly bright.